Tuesday, July 31, 2007

Be Honest with Yourself

With due respect to Bill the Bard - I have always thought that Polonius' advice to his son Laertes in "Hamlet" was just a but preachy. You can find it here:

To Thine Own Self Be True


But on the occasion of sending my daughter 3,000 miles away to college, I can appreciate what the old guy had to say. Of course it's just a bit tough to read. Now no one will ever accuse me of being Shakespeare, (sorry about wrecking the rhyme, Bill) but here's what I think it says:

Be Honest With Yourself

Let's go girl, get moving, the TSA agent is waiting and you are holding up the line!
Hey, you know we love you, right? Uhh, hang on a sec, maybe just a couple of thoughts:

Remember who you are, don't say every word that pops into your head. Have fun, but don't do anything to embarrass yourself.

Your friends, your real friends, keep them close, but be careful just because you hang with new people doesn't mean they are worthy of your trust.

Try to stay out of conflicts, but if you get into it, give as good as you get and earn respect. Listen more than you talk, take criticism when given, but don't give it out yourself.

You should dress as well as you can afford, not all showy and designer, but remember that first impressions are important.

Don't borrow money from your friends, and don't lend it either. If you lend, it can cost you the money and the friend. And if you have to borrow, well don't let a loan be a substitute for personal responsibility.

Most important: Be honest with yourself. If you are, then you will be honest with others too.

Goodby . . . When you think about what I've said, when you think I'm an old fuddy duddy, remember it comes from your dad . . . who might know something, at least I want what's best for you.

- Dad